Defensive driving tips

Three rules

• Do not drive at a speed that is excessive
• Do not drive without due care or if under the influence of narcotics or alcohol
• Always use a seatbelt

No matter how proficient a driver you believe you are, these three guidelines can mean the difference between a successful and unsuccessful car journey. 

Studies show that nearly 85 per cent of drivers admit to speeding.  Although many drivers believe that they can tell the difference between ‘safe’ and ‘dangerous’ speeding, it’s important to note that disregarding the speed limit in any sense, either too fast or too slow, can increase the possibility of accidents. 

Therefore, the first rule of defensive driving is to obey the speed limit - it’s there for a good reason.  Keeping to the speed limit will help you keep the car under control but its remains important to always be aware of the environment, be attentive and drive responsibly. 

Always keep a safe following distance between your car and the car in front. It’s advisable to leave at least two to three seconds or more if necessary – it might not sound like a lot but those two to three seconds can make a difference.

When traffic converges, don’t try to force your vehicle in front of another or contest your right of way.  Be polite and stick to road regulations, they are designed to reduce the possibility of a collision. Remember this when tempted to jump a red light or a traffic junction.

Safety first

Seat belts should always be worn, no matter how short the trip is.  Get into a habit of ensuring that the seatbelts are secured before the engine is started.  As the driver, don’t forget that the safety of your passengers is your responsibility.  Studies show that safety belts keep thousands of people safe during accidents every year. 

Also check that doors are securely locked and if appropriate, child locks are switched on. 

Driving under the influence

Do not make the mistake of thinking that you can drink and then drive afterwards – in almost half of all fatal car accidents, alcohol is a factor.  Even relatively small amounts of alcohol will affect your judgement so if you know that you will be drinking, make alternative arrangements.  Designate a driver or arrange for someone to give you a lift home before the drinking starts,

Be aware of other drivers on the road that may have imbibed.  If a car is weaving, if you can see the driver trying hard to follow the centre line or otherwise driving erratically, leave a long following distance and stay clear of the vehicle.  If you think it’s necessary, call the police and alert them.  Your actions could save unnecessary trauma to both the affected driver and others on the road. 

While driving, focus on the road

Do not be distracted by conversations with your passengers, your radio or your mobile phone.  It only takes a moment for a collision to happen.

Be aware of what’s coming up

Do not only concentrate on the car immediately in front of your own car, but be aware of the traffic and environment that is coming up.  If there is an oncoming situation, you’ll have time to react.  

Driving in adverse conditions

Slow down in bad weather conditions – rain, wind, sleet and snow can all affect your driving. 

Be aware of blind spots

Do what you can to decrease the blind spots of your car, but remain aware that there will always be a blind spot.

Tyre pressure

Check tyre pressure on a regular basis.  The wrong pressure can increase the likelihood of tyres blowing and it can also make your vehicle more difficult to handle.  Good pressure will help to keep your car on the road and can also help to lower CO2 emissions because the engine is less strained.

Unfortunately, despite all these precautions, accidents can still happen because it’s not possible to control all conditions on the road, which is why comprehensive insurance is imperative.  Motor insurance will help to protect you and your belongings when travelling on the road.